Mealtimes at Manchester's growing number of children's centres are not just about good, healthy food but also the nurturing of children's language and social skills. The design of the central, multi-purpose dining areas at many of the centres has been heavily influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, following a study visit to the Italian city.
Pam Tideswell, senior commissioning manager in children's services, says, 'The underpinning philosophy was that lunchtime should be a quality experience for children that would help to develop personal, social and emotional skills as well as encouraging communication. We wanted to place an emphasis on the social aspect of eating with peers and adults within a quality environment that was relaxed, and more akin to a cosy home environment than a typical pre-school dining area.
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